Music sales boosted by DVD growth

World music sales have
fallen by only 1.3% during the first of the year, which suggests the market is
starting to recover from the downturn.  Music sales have been in a downturn
for the past 4 years, this year has shown the best results ever for the music
industry. Audio sales alone fell by 2.7% and music video
sales increased by whopping 20.2%.  Much of the growth in the market can be
put down to the increase in sales of DVD music videos but figures still say
piracy is a major problem.

Jay Berman chairman of
the International Federation for the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) said that
there are signs that the market is beginning to recover around the
world. He also pointed out that the recovery of the market is being
hampered by both commercial and internet piracy, though he did say that more and
more people are starting to use legitimate music download services to get their
music.

In North America sales of music increased by 3.9%, last year
had seen a steep drop in music sales.  Europe was not as cheerful as the
American market as it showed a drop of 7.7% in music sales; the UK saw
just a 0.6% rise in music sales.

Sales of the second half
of the year make up the majority of revenue for record companies around 60%. New
releases from bands such as U2, Britney spears etc should insure strong
sales.

Global music sales have fallen by just 1.3% during the first half of the year, suggesting the market is showing the first signs of recovery. Much of the growth is due to the growth of DVD music videos but industry figures say piracy is still a problem. Music sales have been in decline for the past four years, and this is the best first-half year result since 2000. Audio sales alone fell by 2.7% in contrast to music video sales which increased by 20.2%. Jay Berman, chairman of the International Federation for the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), said: "There are some signs that the world's markets are beginning to recover. However, markets continue to be hampered by the dual effects of commercial and internet piracy." But he said more and more people were using legitimate download services. In North America, the world's biggest market, sales increased by 3.9%, following a steep drop a year ago. But there was a drop of 7.7% in Europe while the UK saw a small increase of 0.6% increase in CD sales. Sales in the second half of the year usually make up about 60% of annual revenue - new releases from artists including Britney Spears, Destiny's Child Eminem, Robbie Williams and U2 should ensure strong figures.

Full story over at The BBC.  Looks like the music industry cant complain as
much in the US anymore as it seems they are doing way better.  Though they
could attribute this rise because of their lawsuits and could then step up the
handing up of lawsuits in Europe.

Source: BBC